Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:05:37 -0500
Reply-To: Greg Potts <Greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Greg Potts <Greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Subject: Re: Trailers, Portable Generators and the like
In-Reply-To: <4416EFFE.2090403@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
Hi John,
I built a custom trailer for hauling behind my VW camper back in
2002, and have been modifying and refining it ever since.
See it here: http://www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia/Westrailer (Or live
in person at Everybus, BusFusion and Buses Of The Corn)
Here's what I have learned in the process:
1. An enclosed trailer offers much better weather protection and
security for the contents. This means less worrying if your gear will
be there when you get back to the campsite or parking lot where you
left it.
2. I designed the doors and latches on the westrailer to make it as
easy to load as possible, and each component has its designated
place. Design the trailer around the load and you will find it much
easier to work with than if you design the load to fit the trailer.
3. Storing camping gear (and seldom-used items) in the trailer makes
the vanagon MUCH easier to live in. When I built the westrailer I
gained back about an hour per day that I used to spend re-arranging
cargo transitioning the bus from driving mode to camping mode and
back again. With a limited amount of holiday time I have available I
want to make the most of every bit of it.
4. Running Vanagon wheels and tires will require a larger trailer.
The Westrailer was built on a modified 40"x48" utility trailer frame,
and with its 12" wheels I get the maximum use of space inside the
box. I initially considered running the same wheel and tire as used
on the bus, but scrapped the idea when I realized the amount of space
that the wheel well and axle would take up. Carrying a second spare
was a much simpler solution. The small tires do not create any
problems for towing on any of the roads I've been on, and I have been
using the trailer extensively through 4 full camping seasons. Unless
you are going SERIOUSLY off-road I wouldn't worry about it. I would
recommend carrying a spare set of bearings as well.... I learned that
lesson the hard way going to EveryBus last year. Also, I have been
told that State Law in Virginia prohibits the use of car tires on a
trailer and vice versa. The tires must be "trailer tires" or they're
illegal. Dunno whether other states might have similar laws or not.
5. Try and keep the height of the trailer below the rear window of
the bus. It's a lot easier to maneuver when you can see over the
trailer.
6. You want the tongue of the trailer to be long enough to allow the
rear hatch to open easily, but not so long that the trailer extends
past the dead air zone behind the van. I have considered modifying
the westrailer with a telescopic tongue to tuck in closer to the bus
for use on the interstate, but haven't found the right components yet.
Air Conditioning and Generators:
The inclusion of AC and 110V generators in your plans are an
indication that you are teetering on the edge of full-size RV
ownership. I would not want to "camp" anywhere near someone running
an air conditioner hanging in their window, or near a generator that
is pushing that kind of load. Sure, the new generators are quiet on
idle.... that's when they're not doing anything!!! But plug in the
coffee perc and the generator will wake the whole darned campground.
Ask me how I know this. If you are currently camping amongst the
monster RV's then this doesn't apply to you, and you have my
condolences.
Happy trails,
Greg Potts
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1973/74/79 Westfakia Conversion **Bob the Tomato** LY3H
1977 Sunroof Automatic L63H/L90D
http://www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia
http://www.busesofthecorn.com
On 14-Mar-06, at 11:31 AM, John Rodgers wrote:
> With this "new-to-me" 88 GL I got from "Unca' Joel" I'm planning the
> development of a dedicated custom travel unit. It will consist of the
> van - plus whatever mods I put on it ( I have ideas for a lot of
> those)
> plus a small utility trailer. On - or in - the trailer ( I haven't
> decided on open or closed type yet) I propose to haul a generator, a
> propane tank, a bigger tool box, VW spare parts box, some outside
> camping gear, an air conditioner( which I will sit in the van front
> passenger window and run from the generator). I may also carry a
> potters
> wheel and a portable, knock-down gas fired kiln, as well. The van
> itself
> will be a place for sleep, eating, etc. and maybe some light
> storage of
> clothing, etc.
>
> For the trailer I propose to have the wheel size match that of the
> van.
> Should tow easier, and if necessary, be a source of extra spare
> tires if
> I need to rob one for whatever reason. Besides that, I think in the
> tire
> arena one size fits all adds a measure of safety as well as
> convenience
> and utility.
>
> As for the generator, there are any number of brands, and sizes, but I
> want something that is dependable, quiet, and of modest capacity. I
> don't plan to light up a city with it, but I would like to be able to
> run the window AC unit, and also the potters wheel, though not
> necessarily at the same time. Maybe it should have at least a two
> appliance capacity. The AC unit expected to run is 110/120 volts.
> Don't
> know wattage and amps but the AC is small.
>
> I would appreciate any input from the list membership about
> generators,
> brands, and their use on the road in relation to life in a vanagon
> while
> on tour.
>
> Also, any input about trailers, hitches, towing, etc, would be much
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver x2
>
>
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